Rats are inquisitive, social and intelligent individuals who are often in need of rescue. In addition to being exploited in the global “pet” industry, they are also exploited widely in animal testing labs, while at the same time being considered “vermin.” Rats are individuals worthy of respect and sanctuary which is why we worked with Rat Way Sanctuary on creating this beginner’s care guide on rescuing and caring for rats. 🐀

Before you rescue:
Do your research to be sure your setup is appropriate for the species you are rescuing. When researching care requirements, it’s always best to cross-reference from more than one source to be sure you’re working with the most up-to-date info, as best practices are always evolving.

Rat essentials:

  • Large enclosure with additional space as residents are added
  • Bedding: hemp, aspen, unscented paper, or fleece.
  • Food: Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food, lab blocks
  • Glass water bottles (plastic can be chewed through)
  • Enrichment: hideaways, hammocks, climbing items (ledges, ropes, ladders, bridges), foraging toys, chew toys
  • Travel carrier
  • Access to an exotics vet

Living space requirements:

  • Well-ventilated
  • Cage with bars (1/2″ bar spacing max)
  • Large enclosure that allows ample floor space for running, digging, climbing, and foraging
  • Accessible water bottles
  • Rat-safe bedding and enrichment
  • Spot-cleaned daily to remove urine and feces, rotten food and dirty bedding as rats are vulnerable to respiratory illnesses
  • stay away from: aquariums, plastic hamster wheels, plastic water bottles, cedar or softwood, cotton or fibrous bedding

The ideal diet:

  • Lab blocks or Oxbox Rat Essentials
  • 20% of their diet should be fruit, greens and veggies
  • STAY AWAY from seed and grain mixtures commonly found at pet stores. Corn, alfalfa and fatty seeds are not healthy staple ingredients. Additionally, seeds and grains can be picked through which will lead to an unbalanced diet.

Health & vet care:

  • Access to an exotics veterinarian is necessary for routine care as well as emergency care.
  • Spaying and neutering can decrease certain health problems and increase both their quality of life and lifespan! We recommend discussing the benefits and risks with your exotics veterinarian.
  • Rats are susceptible to Upper Respiratory Infections (URI) and tumors as well as parasites such as mites and pinworms.
  • Because rats have sensitive respiratory systems, avoid using fragrant products around them such as candles, perfumes, air fresheners, waxes/melts, and incense. Use fragrant-free laundry detergent for any washable bedding.
  • Cover all wire-bottomed cages and sharp edges to avoid bumblefoot sores and accidents.

Socialization & enrichment:

  • Rats are social animals and should never be kept alone! A group of 3 rats is a great number to start with.
  • Unless spayed and neutered, rats must live in same-sex groups to avoid breeding.
  • Regular supervised time outside of their enclosure is highly recommended to enrich their lives and allow them to interact with you and their surroundings.
  • Rats are curious and smart animals that need a lot of enrichment! They love to dig, climb, nest, shred and explore.

Rat care vs. Mouse Care
Rat care:

  • Living space must be in a well ventilated cage with bars (1/2″ bar spacing max), as ammonia build up can be dangerous to their health. They also require a lot of room and vertical climbing space
  • Require companions of the same sex, and can have companions of the opposite sex IF spayed/neutered
  • CAN have wheels for enrichment as long as they are size appropriate, a minimum of 14-16″
    Mouse care:
  • Do best in 1 level glass tanks or bin cages, with a minimum of 4” deep bedding (the more, the better) to allow for burrowing. They need a large area of horizontal floor space, 40 gallon is the min. recommended, but bigger is better.
  • Males need to be kept solo; they will fight to the death if kept with other males
  • REQUIRE wheels of 10-12 inches minimum, with no cross bars or wire mesh bottoms

Ready to rescue? Seek out local reputable small animal-specific organizations who can help you make sure a rat is a good fit for you. They will help you identify sex, ensure that the rat is not pregnant, provide appropriate care resources and ensure your setup is appropriate, and the rat will have been quarantined prior to being adopted.

Additional rescue sources:

  • Humane societies sometimes have small animals
  • More direct rescue options include looking on Facebook rat groups and Craigslist. Rescuing without the help of an organization is riskier as you will not be guaranteed that females you rescue are not pregnant. You will also not know much, if anything, about the rats health and personalities before you go pick them up.